Eastern Cape

Tucked away in the awe-inspiring landscape of the Eastern Cape province, this unique destination invites backpackers and cultural explorers to immerse themselves in the vibrant life of a traditional Xhosa community where sustainability is the order of the day.

The family-owned and -run Amakhala Safari Lodge was established on three pillars – conservation, community, and to be financially viable well into the future, so as to uphold its ongoing work in sustainable tourism. Nestled within the 8 000-hectare Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province, the lodge is split among eight other owner-managed tourism properties.

This women's month, experience the Eastern Cape like never before with curated itineraries made just for you by South African Tourism and Netflix JIVA.

United Airlines has inaugurated its nonstop daily service between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport, with the arrival of the first flight into Johannesburg on the 4th of June.

Home to glorious stretches of beaches, mountainous terrains, jaw-dropping rock formations, a rich catalogue of plant and wildlife which includes the Big 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, Southern Right whales and Great White sharks), South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is also the birth place of the late global icon and humanitarian - Nelson Mandela. The acclaimed leader, whose birthday is celebrated globally through acts of kindness on 18 July, was born and raised amongst this province’s lush valleys and winding rivers.

Vervet monkeys are playful, mischievous primates that can be found all over eastern South Africa and are hugely entertaining to watch – as long as you keep the kitchen windows closed.

South Africa has plenty of idyllic spots around the country to attract fly-fishers, with 2 species of trout in our waters and a thriving support industry dedicated to great angling holidays.

South Africa has amazing trail-running terrain for visiting athletes, including mountains, forests, bushveld, beaches, savannahs and deserts – as well as some competitive runs to consider.

The Freedom Trail is an exhilarating mountain-bike route from East Coast to West Coast in South Africa that runs through some of the most spectacular natural beauty the country has to offer.

South Africa is a surfer’s paradise, and whether you’re a novice or an old pro, the different conditions of the West Coast, Garden Route, Wild Coast and KwaZulu-Natal offers something for everyone.

Aloe ferox – the red or bitter aloe – grows all over South Africa, but Eastern Cape hills are ablaze with orange and red from May to August; the province also produces great aloe health products.

The Big 5 and a bewildering array of life can be found on South Africa’s savanna – regions rich in plant, bird, insect and animal diversity protected in parks like Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Kruger.